IFN-α10–IFN-α14 Hybrids for Th1/Th2/Th17 Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for allergic diseases and conditions involving exaggerated Th2/Th17 responses, such as inflammatory bowel diseases and autoimmune diseases, are inadequate, often requiring allergen avoidance, symptom-targeting medications with short-term relief, and desensitization with potential harmful side effects, and lack effective immunotherapeutic approaches to balance Th1 and Th2/Th17 immune responses.
Innovation Solution
Development of interferon alpha (IFN-α) hybrids of IFN-α10 and IFN-α14 with higher affinity binding sites for interferon receptors, enhancing Th1 immune responses and suppressing Th2/Th17 responses, using specific amino acid mutations at positions 94, 101, 102, 109, or 144, and administering these hybrids with allergens or tumor antigens to modulate the immune system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If desensitization therapy is used to treat allergic diseases, then immune response modulation is achieved, but harmful side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the molecular structure of interferon-alpha through specific amino acid substitutions (e.g., positions 94, 101, 102, 109, or 144) to create hybrid variants with enhanced Th1-inducing activity and reduced Th2/Th17 stimulation, thereby changing the immunological parameters of the treatment to achieve efficacy with fewer side effects
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by introducing specific amino acid mutations at particular positions within the interferon-alpha molecule to create localized structural changes that selectively enhance Th1 response induction while suppressing Th2/Th17 responses, allowing differential modulation of immune pathways
2Ease of operation
If current treatments are used for allergic diseases, then symptom relief is achieved, but only short-term relief is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the modified interferon-alpha composition to pre-condition the immune system before allergen exposure, inducing long-lasting immunological memory and protective Th1 responses that provide prolonged protection rather than transient symptom relief
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves continuity of useful action by establishing sustained Th1-mediated immune responses that continuously suppress Th2/Th17 pathways over time, providing ongoing protection against allergic diseases rather than intermittent symptom management
3Reliability
If allergen avoidance is used to manage allergic diseases, then allergic reactions are prevented, but quality of life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the patient's own immune system to naturally develop protective Th1 responses and oral tolerance through the modified interferon-alpha composition, eliminating the need for external allergen avoidance behaviors and allowing normal exposure to allergens without adverse effects
4Power
If IFN-α hybrids with higher affinity binding sites are developed, then Th1 immune response is enhanced, but Th2/Th17 suppression may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically modifying multiple amino acid positions in the interferon-alpha molecule to simultaneously optimize both Th1 induction and Th2/Th17 suppression, creating a balanced immunomodulatory profile that addresses both parameters concurrently rather than prioritizing one over the other
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The IFN-α10-IFN-α14 hybrids provide safer, longer-term protection against allergic reactions and enhanced immune response modulation, reducing IL-17 by up to 50% compared to previous hybrids, and are effective in treating or preventing allergic diseases and conditions where Th17 responses are exaggerated, including inflammatory bowel diseases and certain cancers.
Implementation Method 1
IFN-α hybrids of IFN-α10 and IFN-α14 with higher affinity binding sites for interferon receptors
Implementation Method 2
enhancing Th1 immune responses and suppressing Th2/Th17 responses
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for promoting the induction of a cell-mediated immune response (such as that mediated by Th1 cells) and the suppression of a humoral or allergic immune response (such as that mediated by Th2 and Th17 cells). In particular, the invention relates to compositions and methods for preventing or treating allergy, such as food allergy, and associated allergic diseases, and conditions where an exaggerated Th17 response plays a detrimental role, such as inflammatory responses and autoimmune diseases. The invention further extends to the use of the compositions of the invention in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of allergy and associated allergic diseases and also of cancer.